Back to feed
Analysis · Tragedy · As of

South African police investigate deaths of 10 women in Ekurhuleni

Police in the Ekurhuleni district east of Johannesburg are investigating the deaths of ten women over two months. The latest body was found on 26 September at Mooifontein cemetery in Tembisa, partially unclothed. The Gauteng police commissioner has not ruled out a serial killer theory.

3 events in story6 sourcesVerified · 12/20 claims supported
South African police investigate deaths of 10 women in Ekurhuleni
Photo: BBC World

Sources

· 6

Key points

  • Police in the Ekurhuleni district are investigating the deaths of 10 women found over two months; the latest body was found on 26 September at Mooifontein cemetery in Tembisa.
  • Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said investigators have not ruled out a serial killer theory, citing the similar victimology of the victims.
  • Only one arrest has been made in the murder case — two days after the first body was found on 15 July; no one has been detained in the other eight murders.
  • The killings have reignited national outrage over gender-based violence in South Africa, which has one of the highest femicide rates in the world.

Why it matters

The killings have intensified the national outcry over gender-based violence in South Africa. The country has one of the highest femicide rates in the world. President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier promised to "leave no stone unturned" in finding those responsible when seven women were reported in the Kempton Park area.

Previously

  • South African police confirmed the death of runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was found in Kempton Park and identified by relatives; she was one of five women whose bodies were found semi-naked and bruised in the same area.
  • Police arrested three suspects in the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found by a road east of Johannesburg; the arrests came amid public pressure over nine recent cases of women's bodies being found on roadsides in the area.

Related original articles